A New Year means a new wardrobe to think about. We're looking ahead at the warmer months and taking a look at the season's hottest trends. There's no one "must-have" item for women this spring. Rather, there are multiple routes to follow, depending on personal inclination.
So what to expect for 2011? Georgina Heffernan has all the answers.
Take a look at our gallery showcasing spring's hottest trends.
SO SEVENTIES: Following on from Marc Jacobs's Studio 54-inspired New York show – the catwalks of London, Paris and Milan were awash with seventies inspired styles. To work the trend, opt for floaty maxi dresses and long culottes, psychedelic prints, Brady Bunch knits and flares.
CHAMBRAY: An easy workaday trend that will slot into every woman's wardrobe. Modest Chambray made a quiet return to the catwalk this week and looks best teamed with tones of blush and camel, as seen at Mulberry.
HOT COLOUR: "Honeysuckle" is the color of 2011 chosen by Pantone Color Institute, the research arm of Pantone Inc., the company that largely sets color standards for the fashion and home industries. The reddish pink shade lights a fire to your senses and revs you up, says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
GET WAISTED: The natural waistline will be well defined - be it a dress, a skirt or trousers. All silhouettes will accentuate the natural waist. This trend makes for a feminine and elegant look.
BOLD COLOURS: A bright and cheery wardrobe is a must-have. This spring will be filled with bright colours in both solids and patterns. The hues are so hot you may need to wear your shades.
ASIAN INFLUANCES: Move over, Europe. Asia is in the spotlight now. Some of the world's biggest fashion houses (including Louis Vuitton and Vera Wang); have turned east for inspiration this spring.
ABSTRACT PRINTS: A regular where London's catwalks are concerned, digital prints are where it’s at this season. This season, Mary Katrantzou made use of Helmut Newton's photography to create her collection while Irish designer, Frank Usher, used an abstract floral effect that looked as light as air.
FRINGING: Set to be something of a macro-trend, fringing and tassels are everywhere. Sashaying down the catwalk, fringing and feathers are the detail of next season. Whether carnival-coloured or in plain white, this trend has been picked up by Irish chain Awear on clothes and accessories alike.
WIDE-LEGGED TROUSERS: Meet spring's most wearable piece, seen at the shows in neutral shades of stone, beige and navy. Wear with a skinny belt and classic white shirt for day or heels and a glamorous top for evening.
SHEER MADNESS: Sheer materials have been around for a few seasons now, but expect whisps of chiffon and lace to appear in stores in garments ranging from sexy blouses to floor-length frocks - as seen at John Rocha's recent catwalk collection. This lightweight fabric will keep you cool while looking hot.
NEUTRALS: Neutrals are back (did they ever leave?) and this season they're anything but boring. Designers like Donna Karan have mixed up the basics and reinvented these classic hues with all sorts of embellishments.
